Archive for November, 2011

This morning, Disney World released a new discount on room only rates from February 21, 2012 to June 14, 2012. These rates can be applied to non-discounted packages with tickets and dining included.

The discounts for this offer are different than what has been offered before. Resorts have been classified according to demand, with lower discounts on the higher demand rooms. Discount ranges are as follows:

Value resorts – 5% to 20%

Moderate resorts – 5% to 25%

Deluxe resorts – 5% to 30%

Deluxe villa resorts – 5% to 30%

April 1 to 12 are blackout dates for this offer. Offer must be booked by January 22, 2012 for best pricing. Dates from May 25, 2012 to June 14, 2012 need to be booked by February 28, 2012. Contact Travel On A Dream today for your Spring Disney World quote!

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Today we are heading overseas to Europe for a fantastic cruise down the Rhine River on Viking River Cruises. Our itinerary is called the Rhine Getaway. This is a seven night, eight day trip from Amsterdam to Basel.

One of the biggest advantages to a river cruise is the immersion in the culture and history of the areas you are traveling to. The Rhine River is not only one of the most important rivers in Europe, it is also one of the most scenic. You will cruise past vineyards, castles, fortresses and pastoral towns in the Middle Rhine Valley of Germany. Visit Heidelberg in the Neckar valley and see the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, 330 feet above the river. Strasbourg’s city centre was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. This city, with its cobblestone streets and rich history, will show you a combination of French and German influences and culture due to its location on the border between the two countries. Other stops on this fantastic trip include Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz and Breisach before arriving in Basel.

Viking River Cruises is an all-inclusive experience. All rooms have a river view and select rooms have a french balcony. This is different than what you think of as a balcony on an ocean cruise ship so be sure to ask us about this if you are interested. Your meals are include along with wine, beer & soft drinks at meal time. With this sailing, there are six included guided tours and you will visit five UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bottled water is supplied daily in your room. Coffee, tea and cappuccino is available anytime and wi-fi is complementary as well.

Select Russian and European sailings are available for 2013 now with some incredible pricing. Special 2 for 1 rates plus $550 off per person for airfare and 2012 rates are available for bookings prior to February 29, 2012. For 2012, you can receive $300 off airfare per person and 2 for 1 fares for bookings before December 16, 2011. Airfare prices for 2012 are as low as $895 per person. Custom air is available currently at $50 per person.

Viking River Cruises does not have children’s programming, however if your kids are ready for a hands-on history lesson, a river cruise can’t be beat! All rooms are double occupancy.

We selected the Rhine Getaway offered on November 25, 2012 for two adults, flying from Newark, NJ. The total price for this sailing in a category C deluxe room, including the airfare is $5301. Here is the breakdown:

Airfare from Newark, NJ to Amsterdam and returning from Basal $1790.00

Deluxe category C on Viking Helvetia 7 nights $3511.00

Transfers included

Optional Travel Protection $598.00

If payment for your cruise is made by E-Check, you will save even more.

Pictured above is a French Balcony stateroom. On this sailing we are highlighting, this room would be $300 more per person. Please note that pricing and availability are subject to change.

For more information or other available river cruises on Viking River Cruises, please contact us at info@travelonadream.com. To explore more about Viking River Cruises on your own, click on the logo below.

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Today we found out that AMR Corporation, the parent company of both American Airlines and American Eagle filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. For those who have flights booked through American Airlines for your next vacation, you may be wondering what happens now and how does this affect you.

Chapter 11 is the reorganization section of the Bankruptcy Code. This means that the airline may get a break from creditors while they develop a plan for how to pay back their debts. Under Chapter 11, the business continues to operate, many times with little impact to you.

During the reorganization, the company will work on extensions of loans, cancellation of some debts, voiding contracts and setting priorities for payments, etc. The business may continue to operate but if the court find any fraudulent activity or misconduct, the court could appoint an investigator and possible a Trustee to run the business.

Chapter 11 is different from Chapter 7 whereas in the latter, the assets of the company are collected and sold with the proceeds going to the creditors. This usually doesn’t happen until the business is no longer operating or if the court determines that the business cannot successfully recover from Chapter 11 reorganization.

There are a couple ways to protect yourself in the event of an airline (or cruise line, etc.) files for bankruptcy protection. Make sure you always use a major credit card to purchase travel. You should also obtain travel insurance that includes supplier default.

As for American Airlines, they have stated that they will continue to fly normal schedules, honor tickets and reservations, maintain AAdvantage (the frequent flyer program), extend Admiral Club benefits and continue paying employee wages and benefits.

Other major airlines have already gone through bankruptcy, including US Airways, United, Delta and Northwest. American Airlines is the last of the major carriers to file for bankruptcy. Hopefully, the restructuring will go smoothly and we won’t experience any difficulties at the consumer level, but prepare yourself nonetheless.

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Card companies do it all the time — create new holidays — so why can’t we too? Today kicks off the twelve day of ToaDmas! Between now and Christmas the agents at Travel on a Dream will bring you ideas for vacation destinations. Not only will they tell you about the destination, they will also give you an idea of what a vacation could cost you. Disney vacations, all-inclusives, cruises plus land tours will all be covered. We hope they help you with ideas for your next vacation!

Today we are going to Hawaii! The 50th state in the United States, Hawaii is made up entirely of islands, with eight “main” islands. We have had blogs in the past for Aulani, Disney’s newest resort on the island of Oahu. While an Aulani vacation would be fabulous on its own, the excursions to the other islands can get pricey. What we recommend is a cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America followed by a relaxing three night stay at Aulani.

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Never did I think that people actually were this spontaneous, but I have met a few lately that I would say are the most spontaneous people I know.

It started just before Memorial Day weekend. A friend in Chicago mentioned on Thursday that she wanted to go to Walt Disney World for the holiday weekend. If she had another person or two with her, they could split the driving and drive straight through, getting there Saturday morning. They could then spend two days at Disney World, then drive back early Monday morning to go to work on Tuesday. It was somewhat of a joke, but she wouldn’t have mentioned it if she didn’t want to really make it happen. In just moments, another friend from Detroit said “I’m in”. It took a little longer to find their third, but in no time they were planning their weekend in Disney World, to start the next day!

This inspired another couple of friends the Thursday before my weekend party in June. They called Thursday night to see if it would be ok to come see us from Dallas, got in the car Friday night and ended up in Wisconsin by 2:00 pm on Saturday!

Yes, I know some crazy people! I can’t imagine planning a trip that quickly. I mean, what about the packing list? What about hotel reservations? So far they have been lucky and gotten a DVC room at Disney for these spontaneous trips, but I have gotten an email or two for last minute hotel rooms from similar clients. It’s always fun to help because I get excited for them in their planning.

Given a three day weekend, the East Coast can be reached from the Midwest with a few drivers and a bunch of driving. My friends have made treks to the Washington DC/Baltimore area, Delaware, New York City and Hershey, PA to name a few. Where would you like to go on your next long weekend roadtrip?

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We wanted to wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to all of our American friends and fans. We hope you all have a safe, happy and healthy holiday! Thank you to all of our veterans and troops who have made this holiday possible over the years and into the future. Many of you ave sacrificed so much so we can sit down with family and friends, watching football and eating turkey.

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The holidays are just around the corner. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, Friday is Black Friday, then Small Business Saturday followed by Cyber Monday. Wait, those aren’t true “holidays”, except for Thanksgiving, right?

When coming up with gift ideas for holidays – birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas – we typically turn to travel plans first. Let’s face it, if I want a new toaster, sweater, wii game, whatever, I go out and buy it. I’ve never been one for giving my relatives a list of what I wanted for a holiday and then waiting until that holiday. Usually, if I put it on a list, I want it now. So that brought us to the gift of travel. Travel takes a little time to plan (though I’ve had a few clients do it only a day prior). Sure, when it’s travel for my husband and me, it’s not a surprise, but that’s ok. I’m not big on surprises anyway.

January starts what the travel industry calls “the wave”. This is when it seems like people do a lot of planning for their future vacations. I see an increase in activity starting Christmas night. I think this is because over the course of the next 4-5 weeks, people are getting together with friends and family, celebrating the season and discussing the upcoming year (or more). Some jobs require you to request time off for the year at the start of the year.

So why is now a good time to start planning your trips? To save money! The cruise lines and tour companies know that you are going to start planning in January. Things are going to be very busy for them then. Many of you will find the best deal at the time and book your travel. You’re all too busy to plan something now. It’s the holidays after all! The travel companies don’t like that you are busy and want you to book now, so many of them offer some incredible deals if you book before the end of the year. I am getting email after email of Black Friday/Cyber Monday/End of the Year sales right now from cruise lines, tour companies, hotels.

What’s that? You’re too busy to do this now? Now is the perfect time for you to go to your trusted travel agent. Take a few minutes to tell them what you are looking for — what your ideal trip would be. Don’t leave out any details as this can make it more stressful for you. Then sit back, or better yet, run to your holiday parties, get your shopping done, bake your cookies while your travel agent pulls together a quote or two for your vacation. You’ll be glad you did!

To kick off the holiday season, we are starting our 12 Days of ToaD-mas blog series. We will highlight vacation destinations over the course of the next four weeks leading to Christmas. Not only will we talk about a destination, we will also select a tour/cruise company and price out a sample package so you can get a idea of what that could cost you. This can help give you a jump start into planning your dream vacation for 2012 and beyond. We hope you’ll join us!